Lukas followed Akira out of the main house and deeper into the estate grounds, allowing himself to be led long one of the many winding, meandering pathways through the trees. As they walked, Lukas studied the various types of trees and other flora planted along the walkways, intrigued by the inherent magic he could feel within them. Still huffy over having to deal with Lukas, Akira didn't slow down to let him look around; instead, she marched ahead, studiously ignoring Lukas and anyone else they passed.

It didn't take long before the guest houses came into view. There were ten of them, each much larger than any house you might find in the suburbs, including the one Lukas had grown up in. They were more like small mansions than houses, all forming a large "U" around a park that was significantly lighter on trees than the rest of the grounds.

Akira led Lukas up to one of the houses that was slightly larger than the others. "Is there anyone else in the other guest houses?" he asked.

She threw him a look over her shoulder before sighing, "No, they're all empty at the moment. All the family members live in the lodge, and only guests stay here."

Upon entering the house, they were met with a foyer decorated in warm, earthy colors, a delicate chandelier made of antlers hanging from the ceiling. Akira proceeded to take Lukas around the house, showing him all the rooms. Downstairs was a massive living room with a conversation pit that gave the space a rather cozy feel. There was also a decent‑sized kitchen with all the amenities and appliances of a modern kitchen, and a dining room with a table large enough to seat ten. There was even a decent‑sized training room with equipment Lukas was not familiar with. Right next to the training room was a meditation chamber, tranquil and filled with plants and natural light that poured in through skylights.

Upstairs were multiple bedrooms, the master being the biggest and roomiest, including a walk‑in closet and a bathroom with an impressive double vanity. There was also quite the study; it was mostly empty, which was good, as that meant he hadn't looted Sera's cave for no reason. There was plenty of room for the bookshelves and desk he'd lifted from the place. Tucked away in the back corner of the study was a door that led into an impressive alchemy lab. Like the study, it was nearly empty, not containing much in the way of alchemy equipment, but that was fine—he had all he needed in his inventory.

"This is a lot of house for one person," Lukas noted as he looked around.

"You're used to something smaller?"

Lukas nodded and explored the living room casually, "Before coming to Adona I lived in a cabin that I built in the middle of the forest. It only had three rooms."

Akira gave Lukas a curious look. "Isn't that dangerous? Living out in the middle of the forest, I mean."

"My world has no magic, remember?" He said, turning back to her, "There are only normal animals, and we have ways to deal with the dangerous ones."

Akira was silent for a moment, her curiosity battling her annoyance at having to deal with Lukas, "What's your world like? I can't imagine a world without magic."

"Try to imagine a world without all the blatantly magical stuff, but with extremely similar appliances and gadgets. I was surprised when I first found out this world had running water."

"Huh," Akira mused, falling silent for several seconds as Lukas continued to poke around, "You'll have to tell me more in the future. For now I'll leave you to your own devices. I'll come by in a couple of hours and show you around the grounds."

That had Lukas frowning, confused as to why they'd give him so much freedom, "You're just going to leave me on my own? What if I try to leave?"

"Then I imagine the guards at the gate would let you out," she said with a raised brow. "You're not a prisoner here, but you'd be smart to stay. I doubt the next people to find out you're an outworlder will have the same stance as my mother."

"And what do you think?" he asked as Akira turned to leave.

She stopped and held a pensive expression for a moment. "Strength and power ultimately trump everything, and racial abilities give large boosts to both. There's a reason why every royal or aristocratic family has so many racial abilities. You're a ticket to the top, but I have certain opinions when it comes to finding a partner. I hate the idea of a political marriage without love or a relationship based purely on transaction, so I'd never force or pressure you into something you didn't want. That's my stance."

Without another word, Akira left Lukas with himself and an annoying goddess. As soon as the door was closed, Lukas let out a sigh, deactivating his Stranger in a Strange Land ability and releasing the emotions he'd previously tucked away. It had grown increasingly difficult to keep them locked up, like pressure building in a container. Once free, they flooded through Lukas' mind, adding emotional weight to his experiences over the last few hours.

Lukas shut his eyes tight as his mind was assaulted by so many emotions at once. It only lasted a moment, however, and he opened his eyes to find Sera watching him.

"That was pretty intense," she said. "Before, your aura was like the older elf said—­a calm forest without a single disturbance—but just then it was like a hurricane passed through before coming back to life. Strange."

Lukas nodded wordlessly and moved to sit on a couch in the living room. He collapsed into the soft furniture and laid his head back, eyes closed. It seemed that the boxing up of his emotions had a cost: he was mentally exhausted and felt like taking a nap.

He had thoroughly not enjoyed the sensation of having his emotions virtually severed like back home, and wasn't excited about what had happened. Would the same thing happen the next time he felt panicked or overwhelmed? He hoped not, he didn't have any control over it. Despite how much he hated the feeling, Lukas had to admit that what happened had been useful.

While Lukas wasn't sure what the future held at this uncertain stage, he had a feeling he'd end up dealing with all kinds of different people. Some would be powerful, some cunning, others would test his patience, all will try getting something out of him. Being clear headed and free from emotion could help him.

Granted the way he'd faced Kora Anuk was less that smart. Things could've gone a completely different route had she been less lenient towards his hostility and stubbornness or so dedicated to her the family name and reputation. That wasn't to say he would've given into demands to pass on his racial abilities. Lukas would rather die than give in, taking his unique abilities with him to the grave if for no other reason than spite.

Letting out a long sigh, Lukas attempted to relax, though he found it difficult all things considered. It didn't matter what Kora or Akira said, words meant little before action, and it would take time before he trusted their intentions.

"What an exhausting morning, and it's not even ten o'clock," he groaned.

Taking a seat on the couch, Sera sidled up next to him. "You know, you never mentioned anything about that cabin of yours before."

"The place is nothing much," Lukas shrugged, "but I loved it there. I was away from everyone and everything, reliant on nobody but myself."

"You left everything behind? Why?"

"I told you about what my life was like back then. I felt like a puzzle piece that didn't fit, so I removed myself. Wait, are there magic puzzles here?"

"Oh yeah, there are all kinds. There are some whose pictures change after every completion, and some mana puzzles that are kind of like mazes, but that's beside the point. That's not the only reason you left, is it? I can feel the tremulations in your aura whenever you think about it."

"You're right," Lukas said quietly. "Some things happened that made me realize I didn't belong. I ended up buying some land out in the middle of nowhere and started work on my cabin. It was nice—tranquil—out there on my own. I could do things at my own pace, and seeing all the work I did at the end of the day made me happier than I had been in a long time."

"What is it that made you want to leave?"

Lukas just shook his head. "Maybe another time. I don't like thinking about it, let alone talking about it."

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Sera nodded. "Of course. You know I'm always watching and listening, so just call on me if you want to talk."

They sat in silence for a while, looking around the massive house.

"What are you going to do with all that stuff you stole from me? It's not like you're going to need that bed in here."

"I didn't steal anything; you gifted it all to me, remember?" Lukas said, getting a snort of derision in return. "I'll probably put some of the bookcases down here in the living room—at least the ones with books I've read; the rest will go in the study. Same with the desk and chair. All the alchemy stuff is going into the lab, obviously. The rest will stay in my inventory: all the bottles, herbs, ingredients, natural treasures, food, and the bed."

"Won't that keep your inventory rather full?"

"No, there's no stacking limit on it, so most of the stuff is fine. The main problem is all the bookshelves; they don't stack since their contents are all different, and there are a lot of them. Once it's all said and done, I'll have just over half my inventory empty."

"Better get at it then."

Ten minutes later, Lukas and Sera were up in the study, arranging the bookshelves along the wall. Lukas had already placed the massive desk and plush throne‑like chair in the center of the room. Once everything was in place, they looked around the room, Lukas nodded in satisfaction. It looked like a study out of some movie, and Lukas was a‑okay with that. He just wished he had books that weren't strictly on alchemy.

With that done, they moved on to the lab. There wasn't much to do there; Lukas simply dumped some alchemy equipment he didn't really know how to use yet. He did leave his cauldron and flasks in his inventory so he could do alchemy on the go, though.

Once finished and with his inventory considerably lighter, Lukas headed for the meditation chamber. He was mentally drained after the morning's events and wanted to rest his mind. He also wanted to see why there was a dedicated room for meditation. Before, he'd always meditated wherever—whether in bed or up in a tree—and didn't see any need for dedicating an entire room to the practice.

As they entered the room, Sera looked around with interest.

"What is it?" Lukas asked, noticing her scrutiny.

"They're using arrays and formations to direct the energy in the room into the center."

Lukas frowned, recalling some of the basic magic theory he'd read earlier that morning. "Those are like rituals, right?"

"Yeah, except both are permanent or long‑term installations, while a ritual is usually a one‑time‑use kind of thing—at least when used like this outside of combat."

"They can be used in combat?"

"Yup. Mostly arrays, as combat rituals and formations require a high level of skill and knowledge to pull off. The only reason arrays are used more often is because some people gain skills that aid in the process."

"Well, what's the difference between arrays and formations?"

"Not much in low‑level magic," Sera shrugged, "they pretty much accomplish the same things and have a lot of overlap. They only really begin to diverge at higher levels of magic and mana manipulation. Think of arrays as being made up of runes and sigils, often placed on something called a flag, while formations are made up of arrays or magical objects."

"That just sounds like arrays making arrays," Lukas said flatly.

"Trees make a forest, and arrays make a formation," she explained, "And it's not like formations are only made up of arrays; like I said they can be made from objects as well."

"Like the plants and rocks all around?" He said, looking at the manmade environment around them.

"Exactly."

"But how can you have multiple magical emplacements together without them messing with one another? If a formation is made of arrays with other arrays around, wouldn't those affect one another?"

Sera gave him an approving grin. "That's the question, isn't it? Remember those things from your world you were telling me about?"

Lukas nodded sagely. "Ah, yes, 'the things.' Who could possibly forget?"

"Don't be such a smart‑ass," she huffed, flicking the side of his head. "I'm talking about that music thing that lets you listen to whatever you want—the radial or something."

"Ow, you mean the radio?" he asked, rubbing the spot she'd flicked.

"Yeah, that one. You've got multiple songs on at once, but you can listen to the one you want. How does that work?"

"The antenna picks up the frequencies, and you choose which one to listen to. You're saying the arrays and formations operate on different frequencies so they don't interfere with each other?"

"Sure," Sera shrugged. "Whatever helps you understand the concept. You'll read about it soon—magic resonance, basic theory that gets a lot more complicated the further you take it."

"Okay. So the arrays and formations funnel the energy to the center of the room. But for what purpose?"

"To help with meditation. It wouldn't really help you—your meditation technique is terrible."

Lukas gave her an exasperated look. "Really? You're only telling me this now? Why not say something before and help me with my meditation and aura technique, which you said was good, by the way."

"I told you before, I'm not a guide who's going to tell you what to do. I'll give you some tips and advice, but that's it."

"You just spent the last five minutes teaching me about arrays and formations!"

"Hey, I don't make the rules; I just think them up and write them down. And I'll have you know I never said your aura technique was good—just less terrible."

Lukas reached a hand up under his mask to rub his eyes and let out a tired sigh. "Dealing with you is exhausting."

Sera snickered as she looped an arm through his. "Come on, let's check this place out."

She pulled Lukas along one of the paths that led to the center of the room. The farther they walked, the more the room felt like a zen garden, and Lukas could feel the growing energy density. Once there, they found a handful of mats and cushions in a circle around an empty brazier.

"Multiple spots for multiple people," Lukas observed.

"There are a lot of bedrooms in this house."

Lukas looked at Sera. "Are you going to meditate with me? You did say this place is good for it."

"No," she laughed, swatting his arm playfully. "The energy might be denser than usual, but I'm still a goddess in a low‑magic area."

"Just me then?"

"Just you. I'll sit and watch, though."

"I don't think that'll help my meditation," Lukas muttered.

"Probably not," she agreed helpfully.

Taking a seat on one of the cushions, Lukas got comfortable and pointedly ignored Sera as she took a seat directly across from him, a sly grin on her face. Closing his eyes, he took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, letting everything else slip away. He didn't consolidate or practice his aura technique; he just let his mind rest after a stressful morning.

Lukas would rather have spent the day reading and learning, but instead he'd had to deal with someone powerful who wanted something from him. He'd gotten lucky, though—the people who'd found him out were not trying to force him into siring them children. Yet. Lukas didn't know these people, their means, or their motives. What they'd told him was all well and good, but Lukas didn't care about words; he cared about actions.

Admittedly, things were good so far. He hadn't been pressured or coerced into anything. The only act of hostility against him was when Kora had suppressed his aura—an attempt to sound him out and see how he'd react.

If Kora and the Anuk family kept their word, Lukas would be happy to give some face because he needed what they offered. Sure, he could get what he needed with enough time, but he needed it now. Knowledge, training, and resources were what would keep him safe and give him the best chance of having a say in what happened to him. If Lukas had to do it all on his own, who could say when someone else would find out he was an outworlder, and who knew how prepared he'd be when that happened?

So long as Kora gave him what she'd promised, he'd be happy—­not happy enough to sleep with one of them, but happy.

Hours passed as Lukas rested his exhausted mind, unaware of the time. That was until a soft chime sounded throughout the house. Lukas' eyes snapped open, and he found Sera looking around, searching for the source.

"What was that?" the goddess asked curiously.

"A doorbell, if I had to guess. I think Akira is back," Lukas said as he stood. "How long was I meditating?"

Sera levitated onto her feet. "About two and a half hours."

"Not bad. I definitely feel a lot better after letting my mind slow down—another hour would've been nice, though."

Stepping into the shadows, Lukas zipped through the house toward the front door. Popping back out of the shadows, Sera reappeared. "Ass."

Grinning beneath the mask, Lukas opened the door to reveal Akira on the other side. She looked surprised for a moment before giving him a curious once‑over. "Your aura changed again."

"Huh?"

"It feels just like it did when I caught you killing my contracted beast," she said. "Now I know what that odd thing is where your ethnicity should be—­it's the outworlder part of your aura."

Lukas felt a bit of spiritual pressure as she rather rudely poked at his aura.

"You're not hiding your emotions either, but with your soul strength I still can't read them."

"Do you want me to hide them again?" Lukas asked flatly.

"No," Akira said, shaking her head. "It'll draw attention when people see you with an aura like a golem. You'll want to cover up the outworlder part of your aura, though; that will draw attention."

Lukas activated his Stranger in a Strange Land ability, and his aura mask slipped into place. "Better?"

"That's so weird. Your aura control is terrible, so seeing something considered a high‑level technique from you is strange."

"Thanks," he scoffed. "Are you going to show me around the estate?"

"I am. I'd rather be out doing something productive, but here we are. Now let's go."

Without waiting for a response, Akira turned around and started walking off, prompting Lukas to catch up. "Do you guys have a library around here?"

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